Presidio Hill School

Gardening at Presidio Hill School

Through our school wide gardening program we grow as many different food crops as possible, hoping to inspire our students to try growing their own fresh fruits and vegetables. Digging, planting, and tasting activities are vehicles of opportunity for our students to celebrate community and togetherness at our school. Exposing students to garden ecosystems, beans, bees, flowers, and soil organisms nurtures their inherent curiosity and wonder for the natural world and enhances our kids phenology knowledge. Connection to seasonal change, caring for each other, eating healthy, and risk taking through food tasting are all foundations of our pedagogy. This year we are thrilled to collaborate with Row 7 Seeds. Their passion for healthy food, growing organic vegetables, and expertise has guided our school in adopting many of the Row 7 Seed lines as seasonal crops for our rooftop garden. We are all excited for another growing season! We are deeply grateful to the founders who have helped make this unique outdoor classroom and urban garden possible. Our students benefit from it everyday.

Middle School Rooftop Garden
The middle school rooftop garden is an extension of the third-floor science lab on the north side of campus. The first planting was in the fall of 2002 and has grown into an integral part of the PHS experience. The demonstration garden purposely showcases sustainable growing methods that students and the community can easily learn from. In the last few years, student project contributions include, a rain harvest system, reclaimed redwood raised beds, a warm farm, native plant nursery, and solar panels to help offset our science lab electricity demands. An emphasis on involving students in the design process promotes healthy solutions-based science experiences. We strive to help preserving our natural resources and develop environmental stewards in our community.